New Regional BMX Track Set to open at Newton Stewart

Newton Stewart Initiative have announced the new BMX track at Douglas Park in the town will reach practical completion on Saturday the 23rd of February.

The Initiative have commissioned Jason Miles, a local mountain bike competition rider and regular contributor to the national cycling press to help launch the track and its associated BMX Club.

Jason said, “Even though the track has taken a while to arrive, now it’s here we need local riders, beginners, experts, young and not-so-young to get in touch by email ([email protected]), on the BMX Newton Stewart Facebook page or at the Big Launch Party at Douglas Park on the 18^th May 2019 to join in and get involved”.

Newton Stewart Initiative Director Susan McKie who has been involved with the project since it was first mooted said “Thank you to everyone who has helped to bring this fantastic track to Newton Stewart. It is beyond what we ever imagined and it will be just brilliant to see it filled with bikes. The journey has been long and various people have been involved at different times but everyone who has contributed along the way has played an important role – so thanks to you all!”

David Mitchinson, NSI Project Coordinator said. ”This project has been 15 years in the making. The track will provide the only qualifying venue for BMX Competition in the South West of Scotland. The track was designed and constructed by Clark and Kent Contractors of Shropshire, a company responsible for many of the BMX tracks through the UK including the London Olympic track for the 2012 games. It will form part of the ongoing refurbishment of Douglas Park following Dumfries and Galloway Council’s decision to work in partnership with the Initiative to provide an Inclusive Play Park at the site”.

“10 BMX bikes will be available to give those interested taster sessions in the sport along with funding for a qualified coach to deliver the sessions”.

Antony Berretti, Chairman of Newton Stewart Initiative said ‘‘It’s fantastic to see the track finally opening and I’d like to thank Susan, David and Jason for their work to bring the project to fruition. The second phase at Douglas Park has already started and we are in talks with the Council on how best to deliver the Inclusive Play Park and hopefully toilet and storage facilities for the park. It’s a busy time for NSI at the moment as we are due to receive concept drawings very soon for the new Community Facility for Newton Stewart, which will benefit all of Cree Valley and the wider Machars area.

Anyone interested in becoming involved in the future development of Newton Stewart and Minnigaff should contact David Mitchinson at the Newton Stewart Centre, Church Street, Newton Stewart.